Here is a delicious vegetable side dish for all of you asparagus lovers!  It cooks up in a flash and it full of flavor.  I love the broil method because it still leaves the asparagus slightly crisp, but it really helps to enhance the flavor.  You can definitely just broil it and leave it as is (which is what I do a large majority of the time).  But . . . if you’re looking for something a little more special or to add a little more variety to your veggie choice, top it with this yummy vinaigrette!  The beauty of this vinaigrette is that it is a light vinaigrette, but also a little thicker so it clings to the asparagus fantastically.  (The vinaigrette is also pretty good on top of a salad.  I tried it and found it pretty pleasing.)  I loved the freshness of this dish all around and will probably continue to eat it this way until my Costco-size bag of asparagus is gone.

Broiled Asparagus with Tomato-Basil Vinaigrette
Adapted from “The America’s Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook”

VINAIGRETTE
1 finely chopped plum tomato
1 tablespoon minced red onion
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
salt & pepper, to taste

(Makes approximately 9 tablespoons dressing.)

ASPARAGUS
1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound), tough ends trimmed
(about 30 spears)
1 ½ teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
salt & pepper, to taste

FOR THE VINAIGRETTE:  Combine all ingredients in a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste.  If you have one, the food processor works wonders here.  Just put everything in the food processor to achieve a fabulous consistency and texture.

FOR THE ASPARAGUS:  Position an oven rack 6 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler.  Toss the asparagus with the oil, salt, and pepper and arrange in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.  Broil the asparagus until tender and lightly browned, 6 to 10 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to turn the spears.

Transfer the asparagus to a platter, spoon 3 tablespoons of the dressing over the top, and serve.

Serves 5.

Nutritional Information for Asparagus & Vinaigrette
(Per Serving = 7 Spears)
Calories:  45.5
Protein:  2.3g
Carbs:  5.3g
Fat:  2.7g (0.4g = Sat.)
Fiber:  2.1g
Sugars:  0.4g

Nutritional Information for Vinaigrette Only
(Per Serving = 1 Tablespoon)
Calories:  18
Protein:  0.2g
Carbs:  0.9g
Fat:  1.6g (0.2g = Sat.)
Fiber:  0.2g
Sugars:  0.6g